Here's a spoiler-free excerpt from my lengthy review of Nope
With Nope, Peele has crafted a spectacle that is commenting on spectacle. There are themes about attention, popularity, "looking away", the careless exploitation of wild animals for profit, and the fool-hardy idea that wild animals can be trusted or tamed. Those lining up expecting a bloody and gory film are likely to be disappointed. There isn't much blood or gore in Nope, and when it's there, it's sparingly used (the most blood you'll get is during a horrifying sequence involving the Haywood house). Nope also tends to "look away" from some of it's grislier set pieces. Luckily, what we do get to see tends to be incredibly disturbing/ horrifying and will likely stick with most well after the end credits have rolled.
Aiding in the horror department is the phenomenal and affecting sound design by Johnnie Burn and a strong score by Michael Abels. What you hear throughout the film (especially when whatever is in the sky makes itself known) is horrific and nightmare-inducing. Nope also looks consistently pretty, thanks to cinematography by Hoyte Van Hoytema. Most of the film has a distinct barren, desolate, "western" feel. However, the few times we get to visit Jupiter's Claim things brighten up with some lively colors and a fantastic set design (by Ruth De Jong). Expect a memorable mixture of color palettes throughout Nope, both muted and bright.
Nope runs at around two hours, and it definitely feels like a two hour film. The first forty minutes or so are a little slower, as this is where characters and their relationships to each other are established. Not everyone is likely to appreciate a two hour movie, and the flick as whole does have some down-time every now and then. Luckily, Nope more than earns it's length. The proceedings are divided into four or so "chapters", and this is the only aspect of the film that might not have been needed. While what occurs in each "chapter" fits based upon what they’re titled, structuring the film this way comes across as a little clunky, confusing, and odd.
Nope sees Peele in full Spielberg mode (Think Jaws and Jurassic Park). This is without a doubt his Jaws. With Nope, Peele has crafted a smart, thoughtful spectacle that has a lot to say. Not sure how much general audiences are going to dig it. It’s long, intelligent, and likely isn’t what most are expecting it to be. It’s certainly a challenging film, one that aims to make audiences consider the part they play in partaking in spectacle. Nope defies definition and labels. It includes horror, sci-fi (if this is an “Alien” movie it’s unlike any you’ve seen), adventure, and western elements. In the end, Nope firmly establishes Jordan Peele as one of the great directors of our time. It’s a wild, unpredictable ride (and seeing it on the largest screen you can find is a must!)! Be prepared to never look at clouds or the sky in the same way again.
4.5 STARS
